ESPN FC's Shaka Hislop gives his opinion on how Brendon Rodgers and Liverpool should treat Steven Gerrard for the rest of his time at Anfield.

ESPN FC's Gab Marcotti does not believe there is any animosity between Steven Gerrard and Mario Balotelli, but believes the 34-year-old is just doing the best he can with his last chance to win something with Liverpool.

Every time Brendan Rodgers is asked a question about Steven Gerrard, he takes a moment to pause. He does so because he knows that, as soon as those two words are mentioned, the game is afoot. The Liverpool manager knows the object of that game. He knows he probably cannot win, not in any meaningful sense, but he can make sure he doesn't lose.

Take this example, from the Northern Irishman's news conference after the FA Cup victory at Crystal Palace a couple of weeks ago. Jordan Henderson, as tends...

ESPN FC's Paul Mariner gives his take on Liverpool's best options at right wing-back following the news that Jordon Ibe will be sidelined with a knee ligament injury.

Having defeated second-place Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, Liverpool now turn their attention to a side at the other end of the table as third-from-bottom Burnley make the short trip to Merseyside. On paper this looks a much easier game for Brendan Rodgers' in-form side, but after their energy-sapping efforts in beating City, the Reds must now guard against complacency.

Burnley cannot be taken lightly as they're a much tougher opponent than their lowly league position suggests, and they've...

The ESPN FC crew identify the elements leading to Liverpool's current rise in the Premier League table.

Liverpool's league form has been highly impressive since their embarrassing 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace in November. The stats read like a team chasing the title: played 15, won 10, drawn four, lost one, with the latest victory coming in a superb 2-1 performance against champions Manchester City.

Bizarrely, however, the 34-point run hasn't closed the gap on fourth place by very much. That's because all of the usual challengers for the Champions League qualification spots have all had very good runs...

ESPN FC's Craig Burley recaps Chelsea's dominant performance against Tottenham on their way to claiming the Capital One Cup trophy.

Matchday 27 of the Premier League is in the bag, so it's time to run the rule over the Heroes and Villains of the weekend ...

HEROES

Diego Costa stole the headlines, but it was John Terry who won the man of the match at Wembley. Harry Kane has caused problems for teams all season, including Chelsea. Terry and an improved Gary Cahill kept him quiet. Terry's perfectly timed late sliding tackle on Kane, executed without fear in his own penalty area, typified his performance. Were it not for off-the-field...

Chelsea knocked off Tottenham 2-0 at Wembley Stadium to win the Capital One Cup, Jose Mourinho's first piece of silverware since returning to Stamford Bridge. Blues' captain John Terry called the win massive and hinted it could spur them on to more success this season.